Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) Full-time NEW

Job Title

Investigating the Influence of Fast, Turbulent Lead Flows on the Corrosion Behavior of Materials

Your Tasks

We are seeking applicants for work in the field of investigating the influence of fast, turbulent lead flows on the corrosion behavior of materials. Various materials will be tested in the CORELLA 2 facility, developed and available at KIT-IHM. The research objective is to evaluate the influence of key parameters such as flow velocity, angle of attack, and exposure time on the observed erosion phenomena. This work is part of an industrial project. Our industrial partner is developing advanced nuclear lead-cooled reactors.

Your specific responsibilities are as follows:

• Development of suitable materials, particularly for fast-flowing conditions. The work will be carried out primarily at KIT with the support of IHM experts.
• Travel to the industrial partner in France and Italy for progress reports and, if necessary, for specific follow-up investigations of the exposed materials
• Preparation, conduction and evaluation of experiments using SEM, EDX, EBSD, surface profilometry and other methods
• Investigation of the evolution of shear stress as a function of liquid metal velocity and impact angle using RANS simulations to support the modeling of the erosion process

Your Profile

• You hold a master's degree in materials science, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or a comparable field, along with a completed doctoral degree.
• You are creative, motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Initial experience in the field of corrosion analysis and electron microscopy is advantageous, as is knowledge of Python and FEM software such as COMSOL and ABAQUS.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills are required; good knowledge of German and French is beneficial.
• You should have a strong interest in experimental and theoretical problems in the fields of materials science, corrosion, design and flow simulation.

We Offer

• Science for Impact: Engage with topics of societal relevance — in an excellent scientific environment that enables change.
• Flexible Working Hours: Take advantage of flexible-hours schemes, remote-work options, and a 30-day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work-life balance.
• Career-Building and Developmental Opportunities: We provide you with a structured onboarding program, a broad spectrum of continuing-education options, and personalized support, thereby fostering your individual growth.
• Family-friendliness: The “KIT-Family +” program assists you in reconciling work and family life by offering childcare services, holiday activities, a parent-child office space, and assistance with caring for relatives.
• Stay Healthy: Under the motto “Fit at KIT – Body, Mind and Soul,” we promote your well-being through fitness classes and mental-health programs.
• Individualised Extra Benefits: Enjoy a corporate pension (VBL), a €25 monthly contribution toward a JobTicket BW, plus a broad selection of cultural and recreational programs.

Job location: Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (and Karlsruhe)

Salary: Salary category 13 TV-L; classification is based on personal and professional qualifications.

Contract duration: 18 months

Contact person in line-management: Prof. Dr. Georg Müller

Email: georg.mueller@kit.edu

Phone: +49 721 608-24669

If you have general questions about the application process, please contact: Patrick Dolzinski Personalservice (PSE)

Email: patrick.dolzinski@kit.edu

Phone: +49 721 608-25030

Application up to: 2026-09-13

Job posting number: 360/2026